The Veterans Equal Access amendment would lift the "gag order" that currently prevent V.A. doctors from discussing the benefits of medical cannabis therapy with their veteran patients. It would prevent the V.A. from punishing its doctors who write medical cannabis recommendations in accordance with state law. By prohibiting the punishment of V.A. doctors, the amendment would allow veterans living in medical cannabis states to obtain a medical cannabis recommendation from their doctor. While the amendment passed both the House and Senate, it was removed from the bill at the 11th hour behind closed doors and will not be in effect in FY2017.